Chicago’s Michelada Fest Canceled Over “Uncertainty Around Artist Visas”

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2025’s Michelada Fest, a Latin music festival held in Chicago, has been called off, with organizers attributing the decision to concerns over artist visas and the evolving political landscape during the Trump Administration.

Initially scheduled to perform at the festival were Grupo Firme, Anitta, and Danny Ocean, along with Los Alegres del Barranco. However, due to controversial images used in their shows that were deemed to glorify drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (also known as El Mencho), the U.S. deputy secretary of state, Christopher Landau, revoked the visas for Los Alegres del Barranco last month.

Making this choice was not simple for us,” stated the festival on their social media platform yesterday. “Your faith, dedication, and savings are invaluable to us, and we strive to provide you with an event that meets your expectations. Unfortunately, canceling this event affects more than just us; it impacts local vendors, small businesses, artists, and community partners who contribute significantly to the festival’s success. We cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support, as without it, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

The festival announced that it would issue full refunds to ticket holders, informing the audience to anticipate the refund process, which should take between seven and twenty business days.

Michelada’s decision to stay in Canada arises as an increasing number of global artists express challenges in touring the United States under the Trump administration. For instance, Canadian trans artist Bells Larsen revealed in April that they had to scrap their U.S. tour due to visa complications resulting from the Trump administration’s anti-Trans policies. Earlier, Neil Young, a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., voiced his apprehension about being barred from reentering the country following his European tour on his personal website.

michelada posted on tuesday, expressing that they’ve devoted their hearts to this festival for seven years. It started as a local event in Pilsen and has grown into something much larger than initially anticipated due to your support. The Michelada Fest remains a haven where our community gathers, bonded by our shared pride and love for our culture and music. This aspect will never alter. We’ll continue to participate, contribute, and elevate our people in every possible way. From Chicago, for the good of Chicago. We’re already brainstorming ideas for what lies ahead. See you soon!

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2025-05-07 03:54